Create a Blueprint for Success!
Create your blueprint & design your destiny today!
Sometimes when your upline is training you, they teach you some things that may not feel “natural” to you. It may be some verbiage they teach you to use or a system that may not make sense to you. You may end up feeling like you’re trying to be someone else, instead of you.
Try this exercise: cross your arms like you do naturally – now try to do it the other way. It’s not only hard to do, but makes you feel very strange. How do you feel? Odd, unnatural, weird, like you’re not yourself….
When you don’t feel authentic, you feel as though you aren’t being honest. This unnatural feeling hinders you from being successful. You need to find a way to feel more comfortable, so you can achieve successful results quickly!
So, let’s think about this…………
Technically, you’ve always been “copying” someone else’s behavior. I mean, you weren’t born with your mannerisms and behaviors. Whether consciously or unconsciously, you’ve picked up your gestures, habits and behaviors from the people you’ve been around all your life.
Obviously, they are similar to your family and close friends because you are a “product of your environment”. So, what’s the point? The point is that this concept isn’t new – you’ve been doing it your whole life.
So, who should you “model”? Whoever has the lifestyle you want to create? Do you want to quit your job and enjoy your direct sales business full time? Do you want to make a six figure income from your business?
Just find who has already accomplished what you want to accomplish and model them. Learn their verbiage – learn their systems. They’ve been around the block – there’s no sense in you making the same mistakes they’ve made. Learn from their wisdom. Want to have a different lifestyle than what you currently live? You CAN – but, you’ve got to change your patterns of behavior.
You may have some negative or ineffective behaviors that you’ve picked up over the years. Now, it’s time that you replace those old habits with new productive and profitable habits.
Keep in mind, this isn’t just about “copying” someone – it’s about replicating and creating it into your own style. Start out with what they teach you, then tweak it, improve it and adapt it to fit your style. Then…..you won’t feel like you’ve crossed your arms the wrong way!
To Your Success!
7 Tips to Increase Sponsoring Results
1. Get your one-liners ready:
This opportunity: can eliminate one major bill a month!
…is for the person who wants to quit trading dollars for hours & leverage her time.
2. Offer new girls bookings – “I’m so overbooked, if you sign up now I can give you 2 parties to get you started!!!”
3. Don’t use the word “Buy” – instead say “invest”
4. When asked, “How much does it cost to get started?”
Don’t respond with the monetary dollar amount first – most people are interested in “What’s in it for me???” Let them know their “commission level” and how much product they will get before stating the price. (And remember to say…for your investment)
5. Let her know the average ROI, so she’ll understand that most recruits earn their initial investment back in only “x” parties.
6. Make your “job” look and sound easy. If you are having fun doing her party, then she will wish that she could have this much fun at work.
7. I’ve heard people say, “I don’t want to be pushy,” – so, don’t be!!! Be enthusiastic, instead!! Are you happy doing this??? Has it changed your life? Let people know! Her story may be similar to yours and she’ll resonate with what you have to say. Don’t think of the money you will make off your potential recruit. Think of the 30-50% that SHE will make and how it could change her life! It may enable her to stay at home with children instead of feeling guilty for walking out the door every day. Help her to get started.
“Each of us has been influenced by watching the actions of others.
Someone said that a leader is one who knows where she is going and is able to take others with her…..leading by example is, without a doubt, the most effective means ever devised. ” Just imagine where you would be today if someone had not recruited YOU!!!
Goal Check: End of Month 1 – how are you doing?
Have you already begun your journey to make 2011 the best year yet?
How about those goals you made? The majority of folks that set goals have already given up on them by now – not even one month in!
One of primary reasons most people don’t get what they want is that they aren’t clear about what they want. Others will recognize what they’d like to have, but when they can’t see how it’s possible to get what they want, and they dismiss their desires as foolish and unattainable.
It’s easy to start the new year full of enthusiasm and optimism. But to maintain your momentum through the year, you need to set powerful, crystal-clear goals.
90% of people never achieve their goals and make the changes they want in their life…..
Why do so many people fail at keeping their resolutions, achieving their goals and making the changes they want in life? Here are four main reasons:
Reason #1: Vague, Unspecific Goals
Solution: Get Clear on What You Want
The goals people set are often vague and non-specific. They set goals like ‘ to lose weight’ or ‘to make more money’. When you are vague, you will never get what you want. It is often said that CLARITY IS POWER. You need to set specific, measurable outcomes so your mind knows exactly what to do and what needs to be done to get it.
For example, set goals like ‘to lose 30 lbs in 90 days’ or ‘to weigh exactly 133.’ When you are specific, you can then develop a plan on how many calories to consume a meal and how many hours you need
to work out on a treadmill to burn ‘X’ calories per day.
When you set a clear goal like ‘to increase my income from $2,000 month to $4,000 a month in 5 months, you are clear that you have to build an extra income stream (s) of $2,000. You can generate this income by increasing the number of parties you do in a month or by building a team. Another option is to increase the number of Virtual Parties, online sales or social media contacts.
Get clear:
What do you want to accomplish?
What benefit will you receive when you accomplish your goal?
Who do you want to be?
After decades of research into how the human brain works, scientists now know that for our brains to figure out how to get what we want, we must first decide what we want. Once we lock-in our desires, our mind and the universe can step in to help make our dreams a reality.
Once you are clear about what you want, write them down and turn each item into a measurable objective. Measurable means measurable in space and time – how much and by when.
For instance, if you were to tell me that you wanted more money, I might pull out a dollar and give it to you. You would probably protest, saying “No, I meant a lot more money, like $20,000!” But there is no way I’d know how you’d define “more money” unless you tell me, right?
Similarly, your boss, your friends, your spouse, your brain, God, and the Universe can’t figure out what you want unless you tell them specifically what it is. What exactly do you want and when do you want it by?
Reason #2: Lack of Consistent Focus
Solution: Focus on What You Want Daily
The second reason many people don’t get what they want is because they write a goal down, put it aside and forget about it until a year later. In the meantime, they get distracted and caught up with
the daily struggles and demands of life.
What has really helped me is that I write my goals down on 3×5 cards and read them daily. I have pictures and “vision boards” in my bedroom and in my office. I even design my goals onto my computer desktop wallpaper. This way, the goals are constantly IN MY FACE and ON MY MIND – 18 hours a day. This makes me constantly remind myself to move towards my goals and take the proper actions to accomplish this. To keep your subconscious mind focused, read your list of goals every day. Ask yourself every morning, “What is one thing I could do today to move toward the achievement of this goal?” Write down your answers and take those actions.
Reason #3: Interest But Not a Commitment
Solution: Make a Public Commitment
Let’s face it. Many of us think of goals we would LIKE to achieve. We think it will be NICE to have. However, often times, it is not a strong COMMITMENT to MUST do it. As human beings, we are also great at breaking promises to ourselves and we start to justify. “I know I said I would lose weight but it’s just too difficult so never mind, Nobody will know anyway’ is the common thought.
If you want to make things happen in your life, you have to make goals a COMMITMENT by putting yourself on the line. Make it very hard for you to turn back. What I often do is when I set a goal (e.g. recently I set a goal to provide useful information to you year round via my blog, tips on Facebook Fan Page and a daily laugh posted to my Facebook Personal Profile Page. I made a PUBLIC COMMITMENT by announcing it to my friends & family via Facebook and BLOG.)
When you keep talking and announcing what you must do and change, your brain will give you no choice but to do it. As soon as you commit to a big dream and really go after it, your subconscious creative mind will come up with big ideas to make it happen. This is a tough thing to do, but IT WORKS. So, my challenge to you is to announce your goals on my blog (under comments) so you are committed to make it happen.
Reason #4: Lack of Personal Power
Solution: Take Charge of Your Mind and Tale Action
The last thing that stops people from success is that they do not take action. They don’t use their personal power to get the results they want. What stops them from taking action are things like FEAR, PROCRASTINATION, SELF-DOUBT, LAZINESS etc… You have to understand that you are in control of your own thoughts and emotions. You can learn how to control your mind and direct your focus to motivate yourself and break through negative habits and behavioral patterns.
Also, you’ll discover that when your dreams include service to others – that is, accomplishing something that contributes to others – it accelerates the accomplishment of that goal. People want to be part of something that contributes and makes a difference. Therefore, when you sponsor, is your first thought that you are gaining a team member and the benefits you will receive or do you truly consider how this is helping your new team member and how it will benefit her family.
So, re-evaluate your goals if you’re already off target. If you haven’t set any goals – go ahead – take some time this weekend and make a decision. Write them down and create an action plan.
I’m doing the same thing and I’m excited to share your journey in 2011!
Success – Here we come!
Bookings – Let’s Get This Party Started!
You’re signed up & you’re in business for yourself! Great, now where’s the paycheck? The first thing to get the cash flow going is to book some parties!
Where do you find them? Mostly we are told to contact friends and family ~ and that is great, provided you have some nearby that are excited to get you started. However, that is not always the case. It wasn’t for me. I had all brothers – not married, so I wasn’t getting any shows from family. (My mom was ill and wasn’t able.)
I had a “real” job where I worked with one other lady and she agreed to host a show. I had recently moved to town; therefore, I had not yet been able to create new friendships.
Luckily, I had one friend that I knew from high school. We set out to make a plan. She invited a few of her friends and then, we decided to do the only thing I could think of…….I searched out other party planners like myself and asked them if they would like to attend my friend’s show. To my surprise, several of those ladies showed up!
The neat part was they already knew how to do this business, so they were the first ones to jump up and book a party! I was able to book 8 shows off that one party. But, what if I’d been afraid to ask? Just think, if you love your product, others will too!
The next major thing that really works is to make sure that you emphasize to the guests, that they bring someone else along! This is where you get the strength of your bookings. Statistics teach us that we should be able to get 2-3 shows booked from each show. I tracked that for 3 years myself & it was exactly true.
However, if there are no uninvited guests, then this “clique” may not want to have another show quickly. That makes sense to you, doesn’t it? If it were your paycheck, would you want to attend one of these shows every week? Of course not! You would want them spread out throughout the year.
Make sure you have something special to offer for hosting a show. Create an incentive that will entice them to book. Does your Home Office offer something to your hostesses? If so, consider adding something of your own to it. Think…..what is a party worth to you?
Would you pay someone $50 to get a $500 show?
Consider: What does your Home Office offer hostesses? Do you receive special pricing on any products? What would you add to create a great booking incentive?
Action: Create an incentive plan for your Hostesses for an entire year. Start advertising this at your shows, on your business cards, etc. Get the word out!
Social Media & Direct Sellers
I recently took a class on Social Media ~ it is the rage right now. After setting up profiles and hours of learning, here are a few of the things I learned, relative to Direct Sellers:
• They told us they preferred Twitter to Facebook.
I learned that there are definitely more MLMers on Twitter than Party Plan Consultants.
• They told us to network with as many people as possible.
That makes sense because we are in the relationship industry, so the more relationships we have the better, right? I found out the MLMers are totally cool with this. On the other hand, the party plan folks weren’t as happy with this idea. With party planners, about 2 out of every ten wanted to verify that they knew me before connecting and about 1 out of every 100 were offended that I would want to “friend” someone that I had not met.
• They said to get 50 new friends a day on Twitter.
This I could do.
• They said to keep from getting “sucked in” to the Social Media time stealer, only spend 30 minutes a day on building these relationships.
I couldn’t even click on 50 people that fast. Well, I guess I could, but somehow you have to “find” the people. Then, I wanted to read their posts and profiles. I mean I am trying to create a relationship, right? This caused me to be much slower – shortening my effectiveness.
• They said that social media etiquette was that if someone follows you, you should follow them back and vice versa.
I found out that 99% of direct sellers don’t know this.
• They said to use Tweetdeck to save time.
I found out that it is a great tool, but I don’t use it effectively.
• They said Twitter is the new Facebook and that people are moving towards it more and more everyday.
I found out that a lot of people are, but not as many direct sellers.
• They said the pareto principle applies to posts on Facebook and Twitter, meaning that you should only Tweet about your business 20% of the time.
I found out that most Direct Sellers – including MLMers either don’t know this or ignore it. About 98% of direct sellers on Twitter……ONLY talk about their business.
I found out that I still have a lot to learn about Social Media as it relates to Direct Sellers.
What are your thoughts and experiences with Social Media?
It Takes Time – Part 2
How often do you look for the quick fix, the shortcut or the on-the-spot solution? How often do you attend a direct sales seminar and expect it to provide you with all the answers? Have you ever thought…..if I just learn “x”, that will solve all my problems! ???? (There’s a big push right now for Social Media & some want you to think it is the ultimate answer. It’s not, but it is another great tool!) You’ve got to remember, growth is gradual. Otherwise, your Corporate Office would have just one training seminar and you would all be winners! So…..how is that thought process working for you? It’s just not realistic. We should always be in a state of learning and improvement. That is how you grow. Continue your own personal development and bring back those nuggets of wisdom to your team. You can always learn a better way – there’s so much to learn, not to mention the ever-changing technology. Remember, you can only teach as much as you understand at that moment.
So, why does it take so long? We are slow learners! Have you ever had a recruit that didn’t need your help because they wanted to do it their own way? How often have you had a new recruit just totally offer to do everything you said – without question? How many times have you been training and amongst the myriad of questions thought……’just do it because I’m telling you to do it!’ ? That’s the beauty of free will – we all think our way is the right way. Your new recruit may not be inclined to trust your advice until they stumble a few times on their own. In the meantime, be patient and try not to get too frustrated. Remember, you were new once, too! (So, when you find yourself feeling this way, it may be a good time to call your upline and say “Thank you for having patience with me when I started!”)
Another reason is that new habits take time to develop. Your character is the sum total of your habits. What habits do you have? Which ones are you developing? Which ones are you teaching your team? You must practice habits over and over until you get good at them. There are no instant habits. Repetition is the mother of character and skill.
Growth is sometimes tedious work, but it is so worth it in the end! Success won’t happen overnight, but it’s not supposed to – enjoy the journey. Just like the Hare – take one small step at a time and you will most definitely improve. Remember how far you’ve come, not just how far you have to go. You may not be where you want to be, but you certainly aren’t where you used to be!
Consider: What areas of thinking can I change to make me more appreciative of my journey?
Action Steps: Pick 4 habits to implement into your business this year. Prioritize them and focus on one per quarter.
(In just 5 years, you will have created 20 great business habits!)
Direct Sales – It Takes Time
There are no shortcuts to building a successful direct selling business. We do have the option of learning from others mistakes and thus saving time, but that isn’t really a shortcut. So, this isn’t a get rich quick scheme. It’s a business that will take time to develop. Many times we worry about how “fast” we are growing, but a better perspective may be how “strong” we are growing.
There has been a lot of emphasis by corporate culture to emphasize recruiting and I understand that. However, I believe a better emphasis would be on team growth. Depending on the corporate structure, many can quickly recruit and get to the highest level based upon self-performance, but then they get stuck in a holding pattern.
Of course, my theory is only applicable to those that want to go the distance and make the REALLY big bucks. If you are one of those that are just here to make a quick buck and get out, then this may not apply to you. (Incidentally, I was one of those. I never intended to stay in this “business” – until I saw the money I was making! Boy, did that grab my attention!)
Back to the theory…….the point is that many focus on getting things quickly and try to short circuit the system. It catches up with you and then you can get discouraged because you aren’t getting your “Success Fix”.
Think of the Tortoise and the Hare – how many of you would be totally shaken by the Hare bypassing you, taunting you, running circles around you and seemingly “winning everything?” It’s easy to get caught up in what is going on with someone else, but remember, slow and steady won the race. This business has a lot to do with consistency. So, develop your skills, believe in yourself and remember why you are doing this – it is a process. Enjoy it! Help your teammates along the way. Don’t be obsessed with speed, but be interested in strength and stability.
Consider: Are you recruiting many, but your team has low overall growth?
Action: Begin to ‘interview’ your prospects to determine if they are the right fit for your team. Make sure they are committed rather than someone you “convinced” to join.
Direct Sellers Balance Life with Two Letters
Do you know what is important in your life? Have you taken an inventory of your values? Most people will naturally say that they hold their family at the top of their list. These are words – intentions, but what do our actions show? Are our actions in alignment with our values?
Most of us have faced this issue at some time in our life. But….what is the background to this? When we agree to something that we don’t have time for – what is actually suffering? Us? Our Health? Our family? What is it that we are worried about? Most people who fear taking a stand in favor of their own true feelings are too concerned about what others will think about them. Usually, the people we are concerned with actually have very little concern with our lives. The majority of us dread the idea of disappointing people. We also don’t want others to think we’re not helpful and obliging. We’re doing ourselves a massive disservice, though.
So, why do we let them have this control? This is the mark of a person lacking in self-confidence. Sound familiar? It doesn’t sound nice, but it probably rings true. It is so common that many songs refer to this exact issue in their lyrics ~ so don’t feel alone. Saying no doesn’t mean we’re selfish. It’s your life. You should control how you spend your time.
The trick is to recognize this habit in our life and change it! You have the ability to take control of your life and your destiny. Remember what is most important to you. If someone asks you to do something and it doesn’t fit in line with your core values, say no. It’s okay to say no – you have permission. As a matter of fact, it important that you learn to say no. It is much worse to agree to do something and have your family suffer. When you have boundaries, you can say “no” in a way that doesn’t feel like “no” to the other person. Boundaries allow you to not be the bad guy and feel guilty. This word has power: it helps you set limits, hold firm to boundaries, and get clear about what you will and will not do.
Can you imagine Donald Trump feeling guilty about saying no? Of course not! You will not ever be on the level of Donald Trump if you don’t start setting boundaries. Think about it – he didn’t set his boundaries recently – they’ve been in place for years. It’s part of the reason he has success today!
Start changing your vocabulary to include this transformational language. What have you agreed to that is taking you away from what is important to you? What will you say no to this week that will give you time to focus on your key priorities?
Is Your Attitude Worth Duplicating?
What do you see?
Are you addicted to excitement?
Do you get bored?
Are you full of excuses?
Do you use transformational vocabulary?
Do you gossip?
Are you living a “principle-centered” life?
Do you wake up happy? You have a choice.
Obviously, every article on attitude says that you need to be positive. Let’s explore this a little deeper. Zig Ziglar says that 90% of success in sales is attitude. WOW! You don’t even have to know much about the products or have special skills – just a positive attitude. Based on this statement, you would think more people would be successful! Why is it so hard for us to keep a positive attitude?
We must learn to control our thoughts. Law of Attraction experts encourage us to develop habits of positive thoughts. Furthermore, they teach that if we were more gracious, we would be happier. Psychologists have determined that gratitude brings healing to the soul.
Be happy and fun – people always want to be around the people having fun! Fun people have energy and enthusiasm. This enthusiasm will rub off on people and it’s the best energy for your business.
Be a role model to your team. Be inspiring, support your company, set goals and believe in yourself. Be generous with praise and cautious with criticism.
When someone on your team gets discouraged, lift their attitudes. Support and encourage them. Let them know how happy you are to not only have them on your team, but in your life. Remind them of their accomplishments and attributes.
When you have a “dry spell,” how you handle this has a direct affect on your team. They need to see you dealing with the practical problems. They need to learn not to give up easily after being faced with the challenges of our business.
Remember, what counts most is how we can help our team develop, so lead by example and show them a winning attitude.
What attitude does your team see?
Whatever it is – it will duplicate.
Action steps: Pick a book to read and create time to finish it within the next month. Listen to audio MP3’s or CDs that will keep you positive. Start a gratitude journal that you write in each night before you go to sleep. Just a few lines that say what you were grateful for that day. You will be amazed how this small exercise will change your perspective on life.
8 People in the Direct Sales Industry You Should Know
1. Nicki Keohohou, Founder of the DSWA 
Nicki has forgotten more about this industry than most of us will ever learn. She has been in the business for over 30 years and now loves having the opportunity to serve direct sellers around the world. Nicki was recently named as one of the top 25 Female Executives in the State of Hawaii and was listed as one of the top 30 Female Entrepreneurs in America. I can’t think of anyone more resourceful.
2. Grace Keohohou, President of the DSWA
Grace has grown up in this industry and has had plenty of successful examples around her. Her greatest passion is supporting and encouraging people to achieve their dreams and life’s purpose. If you’ve ever had a conversation with Grace, then you know the warmth you feel by just having a conversation. She is so totally focused and present with you; thus, it is easy to see how she has accomplished so much in such a short amount of time.
3. Lisa Wilbur
Met her years ago and she was a million dollar earner then! The beauty of this lady is that she’s not pretentious. She will talk to any and everybody and give them tips to help them in their businesses. She holds nothing back and always plays full out!
4. ATI Marketing
Jodi Maas and Michele Corteggiano taught a social media class that was incredible. I had been feeling a bit overwhelmed in this arena and they taught 6 classes on 5 different forms of social media with step-by-step instructions via a webinar. No time for this, but want the exposure? They can help you with that, too! Check them out and if you’re on Twitter – send them a Tweet – they love Tweeters!
5. Rhonda Johnson
One challenge that many Direct Sellers face is relative to their taxes when it comes to this industry. We’ve all “heard” of things we can write off and how much, but why guess? Rhonda is a professional and specializes in this industry. She’ll even do your taxes so you’re guaranteed they’re right and you get all the appropriate write-offs!
6. Me!
I couldn’t leave myself out of this list. I’ve been around the block, just like the other ladies on this list. I’ve also owned a party-plan company, so I see issues from all sides. Therefore, I can provide you with more insight, guidance, tips and systems. I speak for leaders all around the country and provide workshops for their teams. I’ve done tele-class trainings for start-ups, so they can focus on the business at hand. I’ve recently co-authored, Direct Selling Power, with 16 other top experts in this industry. (Check out this incredible book on my website at www.DestinyByDesign.net) I’ve completed classes to be certified as a coach through WABC, with a specialty in Direct Sales. So, I can easily help you promote to the next level with just one extra party a month!
7. Caterina Rando
Top Rated speaker, trainer and coach, Caterina enjoys helping direct sellers succeed. She has written several successful books for this industry, including Learn to Power Think and Get Clients Now! If ever afforded the opportunity to hear her speak, don’t pass up the opportunity as she is a wealth of information and will keep you engaged during the entire presentation.
8. Neil & Dana Phillips
Ok, I said 8 and it’s really 9, but this duo couldn’t be left off the list. Neil is a genius when it comes to coaching, (well, a genius at anything really) so if you need help with a breakthrough – he’s the guru. His background in direct sales enables him to relate to your everyday challenges and focus on your needs to create an action plan.
Dana teaches leadership programs to help you fine tune your skills enabling you to enhance your team, while also living a balanced life. Her fun and enthusiastic experience makes her a delight to work with!